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Warriors, Nuggets, Celtics Pursue Trade-Ups Before 2026 Draft

6/18/2026

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Summary

Teams Trade-up

Teams are exploring trade-up moves before the 2026 Draft.
The Denver Nuggets (pick 26), Boston Celtics (pick 27) and Golden State Warriors (pick 11) are weighing trade-up options, with the Warriors facing a June 29 deadline on Draymond Green’s $27.6 million option.
The Oklahoma City Thunder target a top-10 slot, eyeing Morez Johnson Jr., while the Atlanta Hawks hold picks 8 and 23 and decide on Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million option by June 29.

Summary

Kings Host Draft

The Sacramento Kings will host a free draft-watch party on June 23 at Golden 1 Center.
Kings general manager Scott Perry and coach Doug Christie will appear at the event.
Fans can pre-order the seventh-overall pick’s jersey during the watch party.
The gathering will offer complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, drink specials and photo opportunities.

History

Historical Context

The NBA launched a draft lottery in 1985 to end the coin-flip that had spurred tanking. The 1993 reform raised the worst team’s chance to 25% (down from 16.7%) and cut the best non-playoff team’s odds to 0.5%; by the 1995 draft, teams like the Golden State Warriors were already leveraging the lottery to trade picks and generate revenue, a practice that still drives parity.

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Teams Trade-up

Teams are exploring trade-up moves before the 2026 Draft.
The Denver Nuggets (pick 26), Boston Celtics (pick 27) and Golden State Warriors (pick 11) are weighing trade-up options, with the Warriors facing a June 29 deadline on Draymond Green’s $27.6 million option.
The Oklahoma City Thunder target a top-10 slot, eyeing Morez Johnson Jr., while the Atlanta Hawks hold picks 8 and 23 and decide on Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million option by June 29.

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